Ahmedabad: Student organisations on Monday circulated an earlier video of Prof H K Patel, head of the electronics and instrumentation (E&I) department at Nirma University, amid the ongoing controversy over his alleged altercation with a student. In the video, Prof Patel is seen pointing to his black T-shirt and declaring, “HK the brand,” drawing applause from students present at the event.The video surfaced days after another clip triggered a controversy in which Prof Patel was seen grabbing a student by the collar after the latter allegedly interrupted his speech. The professor was also accused of threatening the student with action.Following the viral video, Nirma University sought to defuse the situation, stating that both the faculty member and the student had apologised to each other. The university also constituted a three-member committee to investigate the incident and submit its report within seven days.Sources associated with the university said the context and timing of the newly surfaced video are yet to be established.In a post on X on Monday, members of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) said they would not tolerate conduct such as “I am the brand” remarks and alleged threats to students. The student body claimed a major demonstration was held at Nirma University on Monday and demanded Prof Patel’s removal.Following the protest, heavy police deployment was made on the campus. University authorities also restricted entry and maintained heightened vigilance to prevent any untoward incidents.
